Yesterday we looked at how evil doesn’t always look that way at first, and how the devil’s attacks are not always as obvious as we might think. Today, I want to talk about what I believe to be his primary method of attack and goal in the life of a believer — getting us to worship ourselves. 

Isaiah 14 says that Satan wanted to be enthroned above God. He didn’t want to submit to Him or to admit that there was anyone greater than he was. This was a direct rebellion against the Lord because Lucifer knew full well who had created him and who had given him his beauty and position. Today, his primary deception remains just that — to get humans to put themselves above God, to convince them to order Him around, and to sit on the thrones of their own lives. The devil’s charge is about getting us to serve our needs, fulfill our wants, and convince us to be our own gods. 

Ephesians 6 teaches us about putting on the full armor of God, not so we can take a stand against people or institutions but so that we can guard our hearts. Although Satan does work through groups or movements, his attacks always start at the individual level. Surprisingly, his aim is not to get you to directly worship him, but rather to become a “you-ist.” He wants me to become a “Bobby-ist” and Hannah to become a “Hannah-ist”; in other words, his goal is for us to make it all about ourselves. The devil’s kingdom is founded on deception and built on fear. 

Friend, the good news is that in Jesus, you have victory and authority over the enemy. When you keep your eyes fixed on Him, He takes the throne of your heart and saves you from the trap of self-worship! Even better, He arms you with truth, righteousness, joy, peace, and faith, which enable you to proactively resist Satan’s deceptive attacks. He is all that you need and He will take care of you! Isn’t that great news?